Clinical Cases Podcast Series-FREE NO CME-Naloxone for Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy

Naloxone for Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy

Pdf Summary

Naloxone is a lifesaving antidote for opioid overdose and is widely recommended for patients at risk by major health authorities including the CDC, SAMHSA, WHO, AMA, and the FDA. Many states either mandate naloxone co-prescribing for high-risk patients or allow people to obtain naloxone without an individual prescription. The evidence supporting naloxone’s role in reducing overdose deaths is strong, and for clinicians who prescribe opioids or treat opioid use disorder, prescribing naloxone is increasingly considered a standard of care.<br /><br />Providing a naloxone prescription also creates an opportunity for clinicians to discuss overdose risk, the importance of adhering to prescribed regimens, and behaviors that increase overdose risk. Because it is low barrier and efficient, naloxone prescribing is presented as a practical way to demonstrate opioid stewardship and improve patient safety, especially for patients receiving chronic opioid therapy.<br /><br />The Compass Opioid Stewardship Program recommends that clinicians: (1) provide all chronic opioid therapy patients education on opioid overdose, naloxone use, and safe storage and disposal of medications; (2) prescribe naloxone to all patients on chronic opioid therapy; (3) for patients at high risk of overdose, verify that naloxone has been filled—such as by asking patients to bring it to appointments; and (4) counsel patients with children, pets, or other household members about diversion and accidental overdose risks, emphasizing that naloxone can improve safety for everyone in a home where opioids are present.<br /><br />The document also lists supporting educational resources for patients (naloxone guides, Narcan training videos, and safe storage/disposal information) and for clinicians (an analysis noting naloxone is effective, well-received, and underutilized).

Keywords

naloxone

opioid overdose

opioid stewardship

co-prescribing

chronic opioid therapy

overdose prevention

patient education

safe storage

medication disposal

Narcan